Four reasons I prefer movies over TV shows (aside from the ticket price). My top one? They provide an experience and a community with which to share it. The first films I saw in a theater were “Peter Pan” and…
Thanks, Whedon fans!
My Shakespeare piece tied to Joss Whedon’s “Much Ado About Nothing” has 1,000 “likes” on Word and Film’s Web site! Must be the Whedon fans out there. (I have to say, “The Avengers” is my go-to background viewing when on…
Much Ado About Shakespeare
My latest piece on Word and Film is out today, looking at unusual Shakespeare adaptations in light of Joss Whedon’s black-and-white take on “Much Ado About Nothing.” Although a rose by any other name might smell as sweet, if you’re…
“I can’t hear you when I’m wrecking!”
We watched “Wreck-It Ralph” last night and loved it. (John C. Reilly is one of my favorites. And I adored how Felix could speak Qbert-ese.) This morning I heard my son’s little fists banging on the wall in the hallway:…
The Literary Ethan Hawke
Ethan Hawke, whom I’ve liked since “Dead Poets Society,” returns with the much-buzzed-about “Before Midnight.” Here’s a look at his other works with literary roots. (I do like him and “Gattaca” a lot, but it didn’t make my list because…
One of my faves, Edna Mode
A friend posted this on Facebook. I adore “The Incredibles,” and Edna. Her personality is so grand. She’s fearless.
Baz Luhrmann’s “Great Gatsby”
Just as I suspected: An interview with Baz Luhrmann practically bursts into 3D with rainbow colors. I like the idea of Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby.
Bella vs. Katniss
Personally, I prefer Katniss — at least in Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal. This Word and Film writer lists several points in her favor as a strong female character. I’ve also read dissenting opinions that say it’s unfair to compare the two,…
We’ll miss you, Roger.
I heard about Roger Ebert a few moments ago. I feel like I just lost a close friend, so much were his reviews and words a part of my Fridays over the years. I’ll miss you, Roger. “’Kindness’ covers all…
Jessica Chastain: Cinematic Chameleon
She’s only been in feature films since 2008, but Jessica Chastain (“Zero Dark Thirty”) dazzles critics with her quicksilver abilities. I like her off-screen wit too. Here’s my piece on Word and Film today.